Industrial diagnostic gauge indicator insert and industrial diagnostic gauges having same

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to indicator inserts for industrial diagnostic gauges and to industrial diagnostic gauges having at least one indicator insert that are utilized in industrial applications such as pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The indicator insert preferably includes at least one indicator insert marking having luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window, an indicator insert, and a retaining ring. The indicator insert includes a top surface that includes at least one indicator insert marking.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/711,112, filed Nov. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,556,518, issued Sep.10, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to indicator inserts for diagnostic gaugesthat are utilized in industrial applications, and in particular, toindicator inserts for diagnostic gauges utilized in industrial locationsthat can be viewed and read in low and no light conditions.

2. Description of Related Art

Industrial diagnostic gauges, or diagnostic gauges, are required innumerous industrial applications. Many of these applications require thediagnostic gauges to be placed in locations that are difficult for aperson to access. For example, a diagnostic gauge may be located in aradioactive or other hazardous location, e.g., nuclear power plants,biohazard laboratories; disposed high above the ground, e.g., on a towerof a petrochemical plant; located in close proximity to moving parts ofa machine, or any other location that restricts a person desiring toread the diagnostic gauge from safely and easily approaching thediagnostic gauge.

The necessity of a person attempting to read the diagnostic gauge to getas close as possible to the diagnostic gauge is increased during timeswhen little or no light is present, e.g., at night, when overheadlighting, either natural, e.g., sunlight, or artificial light, isunavailable, or when the diagnostic gauges are placed in obstructedareas. Generally, a diagnostic gauge cannot be accurately read atdistances greater than about four feet when little or no light ispresent. Under these conditions, the person must take specialprecautions to approach the diagnostic gauge, e.g., put on specialclothing to enter radioactive areas or read the diagnostic gauges ininclement weather; or climb ladders to reach the diagnostic gaugedisposed high above the ground. Further, many times locating adiagnostic gauge desired to be read in low or no light conditions isvery difficult.

Prior attempts to address the problem of reading diagnostic gauges inlow or no light have been directed at adding either external lighting orinternal lighting to the diagnostic gauge. External lighting requiresleaving overhead lights on at all times or placing additional lightingfocused on the diagnostic gauge. Internal lighting requires wiring thediagnostic gauge with electrical circuitry and/or batteries, toilluminate the diagnostic dial, or face. Both of these approachesincrease the cost of the diagnostic gauge and/or the construction andmaintenance of the additional wiring and equipment.

Accordingly, prior to the development of the present invention, therehas been no indicator insert or industrial diagnostic gauge that can beread in low or no light conditions, which: do not require the presenceof an electrical light source located internally within, or externallyin close proximity to, the industrial diagnostic gauge; do notsubstantially increase the cost of the industrial diagnostic gauge;permit the industrial diagnostic gauge to be easily located; and permitthe industrial diagnostic gauge to be read from a distance. Therefore,the art has sought an indicator insert and industrial diagnostic gaugethat can be read in low or no light conditions, which: do not requirethe presence of an electrical light source located internally within, orexternally in close proximity to, the industrial diagnostic gauge; donot substantially increase the cost of the industrial diagnostic gauge;permit the industrial diagnostic gauge to be easily located; and permitthe industrial diagnostic gauge to be read from a distance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages have beenachieved through the present indicator insert comprising: a plate havingan outer perimeter, a front surface, a back surface, and a thicknessdefined between the front surface and the back surface, the frontsurface including at least one indicator insert marking.

A further feature of the indicator insert is that the plate may includean opening defining an inner perimeter. Another feature of the indicatorinsert is that the plate may include at least one pointer disposed alongthe inner perimeter, each of the at least one pointers having the atleast one indicator insert marking. An additional feature of theindicator insert is that the at least one indicator insert marking mayinclude at least one reflective material. Still another feature of theindicator insert is that each of the at least one indicator insertmarking may include at least one luminescent material. A further featureof the indicator insert is that each of the at least one indicator maybe malleable. Another feature of the indicator insert is that each ofthe at least one indicator insert marking may include at least onereflective material. An additional feature of the indicator insert isthat each of the at least one indicator insert marking may include atleast one luminescent material. Still another feature of the indicatorinsert is that the plate may be transparent.

In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages have beenachieved through the present industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: ahousing; a diagnostic member having a face and at least one handoperatively associated with the diagnostic member, the diagnostic memberbeing disposed within the housing; a retaining ring; and an indicatorinsert disposed between the retaining ring and the face, the indicatorinsert having a plate, wherein the plate includes an outer perimeter, afront surface, a back surface, and a thickness defined between the frontsurface and the back surface, the front surface including at least oneindicator insert marking.

A further feature of the industrial diagnostic gauge is that the platemay include an opening defining an inner perimeter. Another feature ofthe industrial diagnostic gauge is that the plate may include at leastone pointer disposed along the inner perimeter, each of the at least onepointers having the at least one indicator insert marking. An additionalfeature of the industrial diagnostic gauge is that each of the at leastone indicator insert marking may include at least one reflectivematerial. Still another feature of the industrial diagnostic gauge isthat each of the at least one indicator insert marking may include atleast one luminescent material. A further feature of the industrialdiagnostic gauge is that each of the at least one indicator may bemalleable. Another feature of the industrial diagnostic gauge is thateach of the at least one indicator insert marking may include at leastone reflective material. An additional feature of the industrialdiagnostic gauge is that each of the at least one indicator insertmarking may include at least one luminescent material. Still anotherfeature of the industrial diagnostic gauge is that the at least one handmay include at least one reflective material. A further feature of theindustrial diagnostic gauge is that the at least one hand may include atleast one luminescent material. Another feature of the industrialdiagnostic gauge is that the plate may be transparent.

The indicator insert and industrial diagnostic gauge that can be read inlow or no light conditions have the advantages of: not requiring thepresence of an electrical light source located internally within, orexternally in close proximity to, the industrial diagnostic gauge; notsubstantially increasing the cost of the industrial diagnostic gauge;permitting the industrial diagnostic gauge to be easily located; andpermitting the industrial diagnostic gauge to be read from a distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an indicator insert of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an industrial diagnostic gaugehaving the indicator insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the industrial diagnostic gauge shown in FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the indicator insert shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the indicator insert shown in FIG. 1 modifiedfor indicating one range of measurements.

FIG. 6 is a front view of another indicator insert of the presentinvention.

While the invention will be described in connection with the preferredembodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit theinvention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to coverall alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to indicator inserts and industrialdiagnostic gauges, or diagnostic gauges, that can be read under low, orno light conditions, and can be read at distances up to at least 10feet. Diagnostic gauges are herein defined as pressure gauges,differential gauges, bi-metal thermometers, glass industrialthermometers, surface thermometers, gas actuated thermometers, vaportension thermometers, level gauges, or any other diagnostic gaugeutilized in industrial applications. Indicator inserts are devices thatmay be included as part of diagnostic gauges to facilitate reading thediagnostic gauge in low light and no light conditions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, indicator insert 70 includes plate 79 havingfront surface 71, back surface 72, and outer perimeter 73. Front surface71 and back surface 72 define thickness 75 therebetween (FIG. 4). In apreferred embodiment, indicator insert 70 includes opening 74 defininginner perimeter 78 (FIGS. 1-3 and 5). Inner perimeter 78 includes atleast one indicator, or pointer, 76. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, eachof the at least one pointers 76 include at least one indicator insertmarking 77. It is to be understood, however, that one or more of theindicators 76 may not include at least one indicator insert marking 77.Indicator insert markings 77 facilitate quick and easy reading of thediagnostic gauge 40 by permitting a person to determine the location ofhand 50 relative to indicator insert markings 77.

While indicator insert 70 and pointer 76 may be formed out of anymaterial desired or necessary to accurately indicate the quantitativemeasurement of diagnostic gauge 40, pointer 76 is preferably formed outof a malleable material, e.g., aluminum or stainless steel. Accordingly,each pointer 76 may be bent as desired or necessary so that indicatorinsert 70 indicates a single range (FIG. 5), or so that only one pointer76 is utilized (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2, indicator insert 70 is included as part ofindustrial diagnostic gauge 40. In addition to indicator insert 70,industrial diagnostic gauge 40 also includes housing 41, diagnosticmember 42, face 43, and at least on needle, or hand, 50. Face 43includes a top surface 51.

Hand 50 is operatively associated with diagnostic member 42.Accordingly, as diagnostic member 42 is activated, e.g., the pressure ortemperature increases or decreases, the at least one hand 50 moves, orpoints, to quantitatively indicate the level of whatever the industrialdiagnostic gauge is designed to measure, e.g., the pressure ortemperature. Preferably, the at least one hand 50 points relative to atleast one face marking 60 disposed on face 43. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, hand 50 is permitted to move in a clockwise direction(arrow 66) and a counter-clockwise direction (arrow 67).

Industrial diagnostic gauge 40 also preferably includes gasket 44, clearwindow 45, and retaining ring 46. Housing 41, diagnostic member 42, face43, gasket 44, clear window 45, retaining ring 46, and indicator insert70 may be any shape and manufactured out of any material desired ornecessary depending upon the application in which the diagnostic gauge40 will be utilized. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, diagnostic member 42measures pressure. Therefore, diagnostic gauge 40 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3is a pressure gauge. It is to be understood that diagnostic member 42may be any industrial diagnostic device known to persons of ordinaryskill in the art. For example, diagnostic member 42 may measuretemperature. In these embodiments, the diagnostic gauge 40 is atemperature gauge.

As mentioned above, disposed along top surface 51 of face 43 ispreferably at least one face marking 60. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,numerous face markings 60 are disposed along the perimeter of face 43.Preferably, face markings 60 are incremental. In other words, each facemarking 60 represents a specific, and identical, increase or decrease inthe reading provided by the diagnostic member 42, e.g., 10 degrees or 5psi (FIG. 2). Face markings 60 may be printed on, or affixed to, face 43using any method or device known to persons skilled in the art. In oneembodiment, face markings 60 are formed using paint. In anotherembodiment, markings 60 are formed using stickers. In still anotherembodiment, markings 60 are formed using luminescent materials thatglow, or illuminate, without the presence of external or internal lightsources. While numerous luminescent materials are contemplated to beacceptable, one suitable luminescent material is NIGHTLIGHT20™, aphosphorescent powder sold by DORAK International Corporation. In thisembodiment, direct light or ambient light charges, or energizes, theluminescent material which then glows or illuminates in low light and nolight conditions permitting a person to read the markings at distancesof at least about 10 feet without assistance from internal or externallighting.

In one specific embodiment, face markings 60 are formed using reflectivematerials that are capable of reflecting substantially all light thatshines onto the reflective materials. Examples include reflective paint,stickers, tape, or other reflective adhesives such as vinyl reflectivestrips made and sold by 3M Corporation. In this embodiment, thereflective materials permit a person to accurately read the markings atdistances up to about 50 feet or more in low or no light conditions whenthe person shines a light, e.g., a flashlight, on the markings 60.

As mentioned above, face 43 may be constructed out of any materialdesired or necessary depending upon the application in which thediagnostic gauge 40 will be utilized. In one embodiment, top surface 51may include reflective materials as discussed above. In anotherembodiment, face 43 includes a luminescent material evenly distributedalong top surface 51 of face 43. Alternatively, the luminescent materialmay be incorporated into the material used to form the top surface 51 offace 43. For example, face 43, and top surface 51, may be manufacturedusing a plastic extrusion process in which the luminescent material isincorporated into the plastic prior to extruding the plastic into theshape of face 43. In one embodiment, top surface 51 of face 43 is coatedwith a luminescent paint that is formed by combining NIGHTLIGHT20™luminescent powder with clear acrylic paint. The luminescent paint isdistributed evenly along top surface 51 by any method known to personsskilled in the art, e.g., spraying, or dipping, face 43 with, or into,the luminescent paint. In one embodiment, two parts luminescent powdercombined with five parts clear acrylic paint has been found to providethe desired results. As mentioned above, the luminescent materialpermits a person to read the industrial diagnostic gauge from distancesof at least about 10 feet without assistance from internal or externallight sources. Additionally, the luminescent material permits a personto determine the location of an industrial diagnostic gauge 40 in low orno light conditions from distances up to about 100 feet away. Thisfeature is beneficial in large industrial plants having numerousindustrial diagnostic gauges located throughout the plant at varyinglevels.

Hand 50 may also include at least one luminescent material and/or atleast one reflective material. Hand 50 is operatively associated withdiagnostic member 42 at connection 54 which permits hand 50 to move asdiscussed above. In one embodiment, hand 50 includes two ends, anindicator end 55 and a balance end 56, disposed opposite of each otherrelative to connection 54. Indicator end 55 is used to read thediagnostic gauge 40. In one embodiment, indicator end 55 aligns with, orin close proximity with, at least one face marking 60 and/or oneindicator insert marking 77. Balance end 56 may offset the weight ofindicator end 55, and thus, provide balance to hand 50. Alternatively,balance end 56 may be operatively associated with diagnostic member 42,i.e., connection 54 is located at balance end 56. In one embodiment,only indicator end 55 of hand 50 includes the at least one luminescentmaterial and/or at least one reflective material. In a preferredembodiment, the indicator end 55 of hand 50 includes at least onereflective material, thereby permitting the position of indicator end 55of hand 50 to be easily determined by shining light, e.g., from aflashlight, on the indicator end 55. Accordingly, industrial diagnosticgauge 40 may be accurately read, from varying distances.

In one specific embodiment, industrial diagnostic gauge 40 includes aface 43 having at least one hand 50 having at least one reflectivematerial, and indicator insert 70 having at least one indicator insertmarking 77. In this embodiment, hand 50 contrasts sharply with the atleast one indicator insert marking 77. Accordingly, industrialdiagnostic gauge 40 may be easily located, and accurately read, by aperson. Further, after the diagnostic gauge 40 is manufactured, noadditional maintenance to indicator insert makings 77 or hand 50 isrequired. Moreover, no additional wiring is required assist a person toaccurately read the industrial diagnostic gauge 40.

Another benefit of indicator insert 70 is that it is adjustable. Asdiscussed above, pointer 76 is preferably formed out of a malleablematerial to permit each pointer 76 to be bent, thereby customizingindicator insert 70 to indicate desired readings or ranges.Additionally, indicator insert 70 may be rotatable in the direction ofarrows 91 and 92 (FIGS. 1 and 6). Accordingly, indicator insert 70 maybeplaced in alignment with face markings 60 or other desired quantitativemeasurement indicators or markings.

The indicator inserts 70 of the present invention may be manufactured byapplying at least one indicator insert marking 77 to top surface 51.Indicator insert 70 may then be disposed within housing 41. As shown inFIG. 2, indicator insert 70 is disposed on top surface 51 of face 43,e.g., between clear window 45 and retaining ring 46. Retaining ring 46is then connected to housing 41 using any method or device known topersons skilled in the art, e.g., screws, bolts, threaded connectors,etc., to capture diagnostic member 42, clear window 45, and indicatorinsert 70 between housing 41 and retaining ring 46. Water or otherliquid (not shown) may also be disposed between face 43 of diagnosticmember 42 and clear window 45.

It is to be understood that indicator insert 70 may be tightly capturedbetween retaining ring 46 and clear window 45 such that indicator insert70 is not rotatable. Alternatively, retaining ring 46 may not be securedso tightly to housing 41, thereby permitting indicator insert 70 to berotatable. Further, retaining ring 46 may be easily modified to tightlysecure clear window 45 and retaining ring 46 to housing 41, and includea groove (not shown) that captures indicator insert 70 and permitsindicator insert 70 to be rotatable.

Luminescent material may be applied to one or more indicator insertmarkings 77. Alternatively, reflective material may be applied to one ormore indicator insert markings 77. In one specific embodiment,luminescent material is applied to face 43 and reflective material isapplied to hand 50 and to indicator insert markings 77. In anotherspecific embodiment, reflective material is applied to hand 50 and toindicator insert markings 77. The luminescent material and thereflective material may be applied to indicator insert markings 77, face43, or hand 50 in any manner known to persons skilled in the art ofapplying these materials. For example, the luminescent material and thereflective material may be applied to indicator insert markings 77, face43, or hand 50 as discussed in greater detail above.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in another specific embodiment, indicatorinsert 80 includes plate 89 having front surface 81, back surface 82,and outer perimeter 83. Thickness (not shown) is defined by frontsurface 81 and back surface 82 in the same manner as described aboveregarding the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 (thickness 75). At least oneindicator insert marking 87 is disposed along top surface 81; andpreferably, a plurality of indicator insert markings 87 are disposedalong top surface 81 to correspond with the quantitative increments,e.g., face markings 60 on face 43 of diagnostic gauge 40. While plate 89may be formed out of any material, preferably plate 89 is transparentand is formed out of plastic, e.g., clear polypropylene.

Like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, indicator insert 80 (FIG. 6) isadjustable by rotating indicator insert 80 in the directions of arrows91, 92. Accordingly, indicator insert markings 87 may be aligned withface markings 60 or other desired quantitative measurement indicators ormarkings.

As is readily ascertainable by persons of ordinary skill in the art, theembodiment shown in FIG. 6 does not include an opening, an innerperimeter, or at least one pointer. Instead, indicator insert markings87 are placed on top surface 81 of indicator insert 80.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exactdetails of construction, operation, exact materials, or embodimentsshown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will beapparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the diagnostic gaugemay include reflective materials associated only with one of either thehand, face marking, face, or indicator insert. Alternatively, thediagnostic gauge may include luminescent materials associated only withone of either the face, hand, face marking, or indicator insert. Inanother embodiment, the luminescent materials and the reflectivematerials may be associated with the face, hand, face marking, andindicator insert in any other combination that facilitates accuratereading of the industrial diagnostic gauge in low or no light conditionsfrom varying distances. In still another embodiment, hand may move in ahorizontal or a vertical direction. Accordingly, the invention istherefore to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An indicator insert comprising: a plate having anouter perimeter, a front surface, a back surface, and a thicknessdefined between the front surface and the back surface, the frontsurface including at least one indicator insert marking, at least one ofthe at least one indicator insert markings having at least onereflective material.
 2. The indicator insert of claim 1, wherein theplate includes an opening defining an inner perimeter.
 3. The indicatorinsert of claim 2, wherein the plate includes at least one pointerdisposed along the inner perimeter, wherein at least one pointerincludes the at least one indicator insert marking.
 4. The indicatorinsert of claim 3, wherein each of the at least one indicator insertmarkings includes at least one reflective material.
 5. The indicatorinsert of claim 3, wherein each of the at least one pointer ismalleable.
 6. The indicator insert of claim 5, wherein each of the atleast one indicator insert markings includes at least one reflectivematerial.
 7. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: a housing; adiagnostic member having a face and at least one hand operativelyassociated with the diagnostic member, the diagnostic member beingdisposed within the housing; a retaining ring; and an indicator insertdisposed between the retaining ring and the face, the indicator inserthaving a plate, wherein the plate includes an outer perimeter, a frontsurface, a back surface, and a thickness defined between the frontsurface and the back surface, the front surface including at least oneindicator insert marking, at least one of the at least one indicatorinsert markings having at least one reflective material.
 8. Theindicator insert of claim 7, wherein the plate includes an openingdefining an inner perimeter.
 9. The indicator insert of claim 8, whereinthe plate includes at least one pointer disposed along the innerperimeter, wherein at least one pointer includes the at least oneindicator insert marking.
 10. The indicator insert of claim 9, whereineach of the at least one indicator insert markings includes at least onereflective material.
 11. The indicator insert of claim 9, wherein eachof the at least one pointer is malleable.
 12. The indicator insert ofclaim 11, wherein each of the at least one indicator insert markingsincludes at least one reflective material.